https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/ en https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-consider-appointments-courts-appeal-14 Commission to Consider Appointments to Courts of AppealKaren.Datangel Mon, 09/28/2026 - 16:20 News Release The live webcast will begin on Oct. 9 at 9:30 a.m. The Commission on Judicial Appointments will hold remote hearings on Oct. 9 starting at 9:30 a.m. to consider three appointments by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The commission will consider the following appointments: 9:30 a.m.: Judge Alexander Giza, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) 10:30 a.m.: Judge Cindy Pánuco, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) 11:30 a.m.: Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana) The hearing webcasts will be streamed live on the California Courts Newsroom. The state Constitution specifies that a gubernatorial appointment to the Court of Appeal is effective when confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.  The commission members who will consider the appointments are California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearings)*; and Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (for the Fourth Appellate District hearing). Appointee BiographiesJudge Alexander Giza would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Anne H. Egerton, effective Oct. 11. He has served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge since 2019. He previously worked as a partner and associate in private practice from 2001 to 2018. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Judge Cindy Pánuco would fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Rashida Adams to presiding justice. She has served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge since 2024. She previously worked in private practice as of counsel from 2023 to 2024, as partner from 2016 to 2019, and as an associate from 2009 to 2016. She worked in multiple roles at the Los Angeles Public Counsel including as vice president and chief programs officer from 2020 to 2023 and directing attorney of the Consumer Rights and Economic Justice Project from 2018 to 2020. She received her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School. Judge Maria Daghlian Hernandez would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Maurice Sanchez, effective Oct. 2. She has served as an Orange Superior Court judge since 2009 and as an Orange Superior Court commissioner from 2006 to 2009. She previously served as a senior deputy public defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office from 1995 to 2006 and worked as an associate in private practice from 1992 to 1995. She received her Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law. Testimony and CommentRequests to testify or written comments on the appointment must be received by the commission no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 2 (five court days prior to the hearing). Anyone wishing to testify before the commission must state that request in writing and include a summary of the facts on which any testimony or opinion will be based.   Submissions via email to coja@jud.ca.gov are strongly encouraged. Hard copies are not required.  If you would like to mail your request, you may also reach the commission at:  Commission on Judicial Appointments  c/o Chief Justice of California  Supreme Court of California  350 McAllister Street  San Francisco, California 94102  Attention: Secretary to the Commission   Guidelines for the Commission on Judicial Appointments are published in the appendix to the California Rules of Court and are posted on the California Courts website. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/judicial-branch-recognizes-excellence-civic-education-during-constitution-week Judicial Branch Recognizes Excellence in Civic Education During Constitution WeekMartin.Novitski Tue, 09/22/2026 - 08:53 Feature During Constitution Week in September, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero visited Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep (NP3) Elementary School (Sacramento County) and Norwalk High School (Los Angeles County) to award each school with the 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the highest honor in civic education in California. Later this month, she will also present South Junior High School (Orange County) with the Award of Excellence. Throughout the state, judicial officers presented the highest-achieving schools with Civic Learning Awards. A total of twenty-six schools received awards this year, highlighting exceptional civic education programs across the state. This year, Constitution Week was observed nationwide from September 17–23. Multiple courts took advantage of this important observance to present schools with their awards. In Riverside County, Rancho Viejo Middle School received the Award of Distinction, presented by Justice Carol Codrington and Presiding Judge Jacqueline Jackson. The program included student speeches, an ASB swearing-in ceremony, and the presentation of the Civic Learning Award. A representative from Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh’s office also joined the celebration in recognizing the school’s achievement. Judge Jackson also presented Corona Ranch Elementary School in Riverside with an Honorable Mention Award. Judge Jackson presented the award before more than 100 students and joined them for a Q&A about the courts, the law, and the role of the judicial branch. In San Bernardino County, Pacific High School received the Award of Distinction, presented by Justice Corey Lee and Presiding Judge Rodney Cortez. NP3 Elementary School Achieves Excellence This year marks the first time NP3 Elementary has received the Award of Excellence, building on a legacy of recognition across all NP3 campuses. The school’s civic engagement programs include Civic Circles, which encourage students to identify issues and generate ideas for action, and “Work on Wildly Important Goals” action teams, tackling real-world issues through service-learning projects. “At NP3, civic learning is not simply something our students read about, it’s something they experience, and they practice,” Principal Marcie Dart said. “The moment you set foot on campus, you feel that this is a vibrant community of learners and leaders,” Chief Justice Guerrero said. “The Civic Learning Award of Excellence honors schools that make civic learning a cornerstone of their mission. The students of NP3 Elementary have not only met this standard, they have exceeded it.” Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl, Associate Justice Shama Mesiwala, and Sacramento Superior Court Presiding Judge Lawrence G. Brown joined in celebrating NP3’s accomplishments. Norwalk High School Leads the Way Norwalk High School has made civic learning a core component of its school mission and has developed unique civic engagement programs. One notable program, the Government Speaker Series, is an initiative sponsored by the student Government Club and social studies teachers. The series brings government officials to campus to demystify working in government. The club has also sponsored an America 250 contest, a mock election, and a Constitution Day celebration. “You are modeling exactly what we’re looking for when we identify the top schools throughout the state to receive this distinguished award,” Chief Justice Guerrero said. “You should be commended for developing a comprehensive curriculum, and a series of programs which encourage informed and active engagement.” At the ceremony, students met with Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia, Assistant Presiding Judge Ricardo R. Ocampo, Commissioner S. Paul Bruguera, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cindy Pánuco, a Norwalk High School Class of 1999 alumna, State Senator Bob Archuleta, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District board members, and Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez. About the Civic Learning Awards The Civic Learning Awards program recognizes schools that embed civic learning into schoolwide practices, including classroom instruction, student-led projects, service learning, and opportunities to take informed action. The awards are presented annually in September and are co-sponsored by the Chief Justice and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. More information is available at powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/memoriam-california-supreme-court-justice-joyce-l-kennard-1941-2026 In Memoriam: California Supreme Court Justice Joyce L. Kennard (1941–2026)Balassone, Merrill Fri, 09/18/2026 - 14:36 News Release Joyce L. Kennard, whose perseverance and professional excellence propelled her to become one of the longest-serving justices in the history of the California Supreme Court, has passed away. She was 85. “Justice Kennard’s life was a testament to resilience, and she brought that same strength to 25 years of service to this court,” said Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “She carefully analyzed the law, studied the facts, and strived to protect fundamental freedoms and promote the independence of the judiciary. Her rigor on the bench and her extraordinary personal journey continue to inspire attorneys and judges.” Justice Kennard was born in Indonesia to parents of Dutch, Indonesian, Chinese, and German descent. As a young child during World War II, she and her family were held in a Japanese internment camp. As a teenager, she had her leg amputated after developing a tumor and wore a prosthetic for the rest of her life. She immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, where she worked as a secretary while pursuing her education. She earned an associate’s degree from Pasadena City College, then a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in public administration, and a law degree, all from the University of Southern California. Justice Kennard began her legal career as a Deputy Attorney General in the Department of Justice. Later, she served as a Senior Attorney for Associate Justice Edwin F. Beach at the Second District Court of Appeal. Governor George Deukmejian appointed her to the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1986, to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 1987, to the Second District Court of Appeal in 1988, and finally to the Supreme Court in 1989, making her only the second woman and the first person of Asian descent to serve on the state’s highest court. During her 25 years on the court, Justice Kennard developed a reputation for independence and was known for her rigorous questioning during oral arguments. She retired from the court in April 2014. At the last oral argument session in which she participated, fellow Associate Justice Marvin Baxter described Justice Kennard’s life as “a successful effort to overcome extraordinary challenge and adversity” and noted her “record of achieving success against all odds.” He offered the following tribute: “ ‘Dedication’ is a word that perfectly applies to Justice Kennard. Whether they agree or disagree with her on particular cases, her colleagues know she has given each and every one her thoughtful, sincere, and scholarly attention. And drawing upon her own remarkable life experience, she has striven always for excellence, fairness, and the correct rule of law. This is her only agenda, and no one works harder to get it right. And for these qualities, she has earned the highest respect of her fellow justices.” In her letter to Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown, Jr. announcing her retirement, Justice Kennard wrote, “Any success I achieved could have happened only in America, a land that encourages impossible dreams, a land where one can succeed against all odds.” The court will convene an in memoriam session in recognition of Justice Kennard during its 2026–2027 term.   https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-hold-oral-argument-outreach-session-shasta-county California Supreme Court to Hold Oral Argument Outreach Session in Shasta CountyBalassone, Merrill Thu, 09/17/2026 - 11:24 News Release Media interested in attending the session are asked to contact merrill.balassone@jud.ca.gov The California Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Redding on Oct. 7, continuing its tradition of holding annual outreach sessions in locations across the state. The special session will be held at Shasta Union High School District and will be attended by students and teachers from nearby schools. Before observing oral argument, students will have an opportunity to ask the justices questions about their roles in the judicial system. Said Chief Justice Guerrero: “The California Supreme Court is honored to welcome Shasta County students to our special oral argument session. The opportunity for these students to observe real legal arguments helps turn an abstract idea like the rule of law into something tangible. We hope they leave here with a better understanding of California’s justice system and even consider a future career in law.” The court last held oral argument in Shasta County in 2005. Last year’s special outreach session took place in Monterey, with previous recent sessions in Fresno (in 2024) and San Diego (in 2023). The session will be open to the general public. The event will also be broadcast live on the Supreme Court website and the California Courts Newsroom. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/justice-maurice-sanchez-retire-california-court-appeal-fourth-district-division-three Justice Maurice Sanchez to retire from the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division ThreeMartin.Novitski Wed, 09/16/2026 - 16:13 News Release SANTA ANA–Associate Justice Maurice Sanchez of the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Three, will retire on October 2, 2026, after a remarkable and distinguished 45-year legal career. Justice Sanchez was the first Latino, the first person of color, and the first Orange County native to serve as a Justice on the Fourth District, Division Three in its 43-year history. Justice Sanchez was guided as a jurist by the beliefs that his duty was to interpret the law faithfully, promptly, and transparently; judges must remain independent, willing to make unpopular decisions, and be above reproach in their professional and personal conduct; and the law must be accessible to all and every person who appears before the court must be treated with dignity and respect. “As the first person of color appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, Justice Sanchez served with distinction and spearheaded the court’s outreach efforts. His deep dedication to the law and the communities we serve has left an indelible mark. His legacy will endure through the profound impact of his opinions and the many lives inspired by his judicial career.”—Presiding Justice Joanne Motoike Justice Sanchez was born in Orange and raised in Santa Ana, California. His parents were immigrants from Mexico who spoke very little English yet worked tirelessly to provide a better life for their children. After graduating from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Justice Sanchez earned a B.A. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine in 1978 and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 1981. Following law school, Justice Sanchez returned to Orange County to work as an associate at Rutan & Tucker. He later worked as senior counsel at Hyundai Motor America and managing counsel at Mazda Motor of America, named partner at Alvarado Smith & Sanchez, partner at Baker & Hostetler, and partner at Nelson Mullins. He established an expertise in automobile franchise law and represented many motor vehicle, motorsport, and heavy-equipment manufacturers in both litigation and transactional matters. Justice Sanchez reflected, “[t]hose years in private practice taught me that fairness, clarity, and balance are indispensable to justice.” Despite the demands of an active law practice, Justice Sanchez made time to handle pro bono cases and volunteer to serve abused children and students from families with limited resources. To that end, he served for 29 years on the board of directors of the Olive Crest Abused Children’s Foundation, including three years as its chair. His law practice and pro bono work taught Justice Sanchez a lesson that would prove most valuable as a jurist—“I represented the powerless and the powerful and I learned that behind every case lies a person whose life will be shaped by the court’s decision.” Governor Edmund G. Brown appointed Justice Sanchez to the Superior Court in 2018. He enjoyed his stint in the family law division and found it to be rewarding because there he dealt with matters which, though basic, were of the utmost importance to people in their daily lives. In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Justice Sanchez to the Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Three. He was rated as exceptionally well qualified by the Judicial Nominations Evaluation Commission.   One of Justice Sanchez’s most important accomplishments as an appellate justice was working with then-Presiding Justice Kathleen O’Leary to have the Santa Ana courthouse for the Fourth District, Division Three named after the late Justice Cruz Reynoso. In so honoring another Orange County native and the first Latino justice on the California Supreme Court, Justice Sanchez hoped to inspire Hispanic youth, and indeed all young people, to pursue the possibilities open to them.  In addition to his daily work deciding cases, Justice Sanchez served as Chair of the Judicial Council of California’s Court Interpreters Advisory Program, participated in the California Judicial Mentor Program, sat by assignment on the California Supreme Court, and acted as Presiding Special Master in a proceeding before the Commission on Judicial Performance. Justice Sanchez frequently has appeared as a panelist in judicial education and continuing legal education programs and has written a number of articles and papers on the law.  Throughout his career, Justice Sanchez has been active in the legal community. He has served as president of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association and received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and Judicial Trailblazer Award in 2020. He also has been honored by receiving the Spotlight on Excellence Award from the Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law (2024), the Lauds and Laurels Award from the University of California, Irvine (2023), the Ring of Honor from Mater Dei High School (2023), and a resolution of appreciation from the California New Motor Vehicle Board (2019) highlighting his contributions to the State of California’s motor vehicle industry. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-four-appointments-courts-appeal-2 Commission Confirms Four Appointments to Courts of Appeal natalie.l.ston… Thu, 08/20/2026 - 14:54 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced today that the commission confirmed four appointments to California’s Courts of Appeal in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego:  Justice Rashida Adams, as presiding justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Three (Los Angeles) Judge Juliet Macaulay, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three (Santa Ana) Judge Lisa Rodriguez, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) Judge Marsha Amin, as associate justice of the Fourth Appellate District, Division One (San Diego) The appointees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearing); and Presiding Justice Manuel Ramirez (for the Fourth Appellate District hearings). The confirmations of Justice Adams, Judge Macaulay, and Judge Rodriguez are subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, with terms beginning on Jan. 4, 2027, if voter confirmation is successful. You can learn more in the public documents available for this hearing.  Appointee Biographies Justice Rashida Adams fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Lee Edmon. She has served as an associate justice for the Second Appellate District, Division Three, since 2023 and previously served as a Los Angeles Superior Court judge from 2017 to 2023. Before joining the bench, she served as a senior appellate court attorney at the Second Appellate District, Division Eight from 2008 to 2017 and was in private practice as an attorney from 2005 to 2007 and from 2001 to 2005. She received her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. Judge Juliet Macaulay fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Joanne Motoike to presiding justice. She has served as an Orange County Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, she served in various roles at the California Department of Social Services including as chief administrative law judge from 2020 to 2022; presiding administrative law judge from 2016 to 2020; and administrative law judge from 2012 to 2016. She served at the California Board of Parole Hearings as a commissioner in 2011 and a deputy commissioner from 2004 to 2011. She was in private practice as a sole practitioner from 1997 to 2004. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ibadan. Judge Lisa Rodriguez fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Terry B. O’Rourke after he completes his term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2015 and has worked as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law since 2014. Before serving on the bench, she served as a deputy district attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2015 and as a deputy city attorney at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 1998. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. Judge Marsha Amin fills the vacancy created by the death of Justice Joan Irion. She has served as a San Diego Superior Court judge since 2023. Before joining the bench, she served at the Fourth Appellate District as managing attorney from 2018 to 2023 and as senior attorney from 2011 to 2018. She was a litigation attorney in private practice from 2006 to 2010. She served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from 2005 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law.     View the full photo album on the California Courts Flickr. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-supreme-court-makes-appointments-state-bar-board-trustees-committee-bar-examiners-1 California Supreme Court Makes Appointments to State Bar Board of Trustees, Committee of Bar ExaminersKaren.Datangel Thu, 08/20/2026 - 12:11 News Release The Supreme Court of California today announced six reappointments and two appointments to the State Bar of California's Board of Trustees and the Committee of Bar Examiners, all effective September 18. The court reappointed public member José Cisneros as chair of the Board of Trustees for a second and final one-year term. Cisneros is the first non-attorney to be appointed chair of the board. He has served as the Treasurer for the City and County of San Francisco since 2004. The court also reappointed public member Dr. Mark Toney to a second one-year term as board vice chair. Dr. Toney has served as the executive director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008. Additionally, the court reappointed attorney David Jargiello to his first four-year term on the Board of Trustees. Jargiello was appointed to a partial term last year to fill a position vacated by Brandon Stallings. The Board of Trustees is the State Bar’s governing body that establishes the strategic direction for the agency and ensures that the organization is fulfilling its mission. In addition, the court made appointments to the Committee of Bar Examiners. The court reappointed attorney Ashley Silva-Guzman to another term on the committee. The court also appointed Silva-Guzman, the committee’s current vice chair, as the committee’s next chair for a one-year term. The court appointed public member Kareem Gongora to a one-year term as the committee’s vice chair. Gongora is an appointee of the Speaker of the Assembly and has served as the director of communications and public information at the Riverside Superior Court since 2025. The court also reappointed Justice Shama Mesiwala and Judge Renee C. Reyna each to four-year terms on the committee. Justice Mesiwala has served in the Third Appellate District since 2023. Judge Reyna has served in the San Mateo Superior Court since 2021. The Committee of Bar Examiners oversees development and administration of the California Bar Exam and reviews the moral character determination and admissions processes for attorneys. The committee also accredits state law schools and registers unaccredited state law schools. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/california-state-legislature-recognizes-100th-anniversary-judicial-council-california California State Legislature Recognizes 100th Anniversary of the Judicial Council of CaliforniaBalassone, Merrill Wed, 08/19/2026 - 13:54 News Release On August 19, the California State Legislature passed SCR-196, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Judicial Council of California. The joint resolution was introduced by Senate Pro Tempore Monique Limón and Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. The Judicial Council is the policymaking body of the California courts, the largest court system in the nation. Led by the Chief Justice, the council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice. The council was established in 1926 through a constitutional amendment, with the aim of building a more equitable, independent and resilient judicial branch. Throughout its first hundred years, the council has led transformative changes to the branch and enhanced access to justice statewide. “The council’s first century tells a story of innovation, resilience, and public service,” Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said. “This year, we honor the council’s legacy, celebrate those who have carried it forward, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all.” “It is critical for our judicial branch to remain independent from the legislative and executive branches,” said Senate Pro Tempore Monique Limón. “It is also important that trust remains in our judicial system and judicial independence is maintained. I am proud of the work the Judicial Council continues to accomplish and wish them another 100 years of success in defending our democracy.” “California deeply values its independent and impartial judiciary,” said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. “For a century, our courts have been guided by an unwavering commitment to justice, equality and the rule of law. As we mark this milestone, we’re reminded that these principles remain the foundation of public trust and a fair, equitable system of justice.” Early reforms focused on unifying disparate courts, improving civil procedure, and ensuring consistency and accountability in judicial administration. More recently, the council has concentrated on modernizing the court experience through expanded use of technology and improving courthouse infrastructure. The council has also supported numerous judicial administration programs and services, including the establishment of over 400 collaborative justice programs and the creation of self-help centers in all 58 counties. To learn more about the Judicial Council and its history, click here. Read the full text of the resolution here. https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/commission-confirms-four-appointments-courts-appeal-1 Commission Confirms Four Appointments to Courts of Appeal natalie.l.ston… Wed, 08/19/2026 - 11:57 News Release Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments, announced today that the commission confirmed four appointments to California’s Courts of Appeal in Sacramento, San Jose, and Ventura: David Sapp, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento) Judge Lauri Damrell, as associate justice of the Third Appellate District (Sacramento) Judge Frederick Chung, as associate justice of the Sixth Appellate District (San Jose) Judge Denise Hippach, as associate justice of the Second Appellate District, Division Six (Ventura) The appointees were confirmed by unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes: California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (Chair); California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Administrative Presiding Justice Laurie M. Earl (for the Third Appellate District hearings); Administrative Presiding Justice Mary J. Greenwood (for the Sixth Appellate District hearing); and Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild (for the Second Appellate District hearing). The confirmations of Mr. Sapp, Judge Damrell, and Judge Chung are subject to voter confirmation during the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, with terms beginning on Jan. 4, 2027, if voter confirmation is successful. You can learn more in the public documents available for this hearing. Appointee Biographies David Sapp would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Ronald Robie after he completes his term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. He has served in multiple roles at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom including as the Governor’s legal affairs secretary since 2022, chief deputy legal affairs secretary from 2021 to 2022, and as a deputy legal affairs secretary from 2019 to 2021. He previously worked at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California as director of education advocacy from 2014 to 2016 and as staff attorney from 2009 to 2014. He served as a law clerk at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 2008 to 2009; worked as a Skadden fellow and staff attorney at the Advocates for Children’s Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina from 2006 to 2008; and served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama from 2005 to 2006. He received his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.  Judge Lauri Damrell fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Elena J. Duarte. She has served as a Sacramento Superior Court judge since 2018 and has worked as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Law School since 2022 and as a visiting lecturer at the University of California, Davis since 2019. Before joining the bench, she was in private practice as partner from 2016 to 2018 and an associate from 2006 to 2016. She served as deputy district attorney at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in 2014 and as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California from 2005 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law. Judge Frederick Chung would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Adrienne Grover after she completes her term of office on Jan. 4, 2027. He has served as a Santa Clara Superior Court judge since 2018. Before joining the bench, he was in private practice as a partner from 2003 to 2018 and an associate from 1996 to 2003. He served as a law clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1995 to 1996. He received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Judge Denise Hippach fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Tari Cody to presiding justice. She has served as a Santa Barbara Superior Court judge since 2022. Before joining the bench, she served as a senior deputy county counsel at the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office from 2018 to 2022; a deputy attorney general at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office from 2015 to 2018; a deputy prosecuting attorney at the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office from 2016 to 2018; a panel attorney at the California Court of Appeal’s Court-Appointed Counsel Program from 2014 to 2018; a deputy county counsel at the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office from 2008 to 2014; and a deputy district attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2006. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.   View the full photo album on the California Courts Flickr.  https://newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/photos-groundbreaking-ceremony-new-appellate-courthouse-sunnyvale Photos: Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Appellate Courthouse in SunnyvaleCorren, Blaine Tue, 08/18/2026 - 11:55 Feature SUNNYVALE—Justices and court staff from the Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District hosted a special groundbreaking ceremony on August 5 to officially celebrate the start of construction of a new courthouse in Sunnyvale. Attendees comprised California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, appellate court justices, superior court judges, attorneys, representatives from various local justice partners and legislative offices, and state and local officials. Upgraded Courthouse Will Improve Services to the Public The new courthouse will improve safety and security with visitor security screening and internal circulation that maintains separate zones for the public and justices and court staff. The new building will also provide more adequate space in the entrance and public waiting areas, service counter, clerk’s office, and mediation rooms. On-site parking will be available for court users, including justices, court staff, and the public. Building to Be Energy Efficient The building’s sustainability features are expected to satisfy the California Energy Code and qualify it for a LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The courthouse’s sustainability features will include an all-electric building design, solar energy generation, electric vehicle chargers, drought-tolerant landscaping, efficient irrigation and plumbing systems, and energy-efficient lighting and building systems. Statewide Court Facilities Program The Judicial Council supports the court facilities of California's Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and trial courts by providing a broad range of services. These include facility planning, design and construction, facility operations management, environmental compliance and sustainability, real estate services and asset management, and emergency planning and security coordination. Since the state judicial branch took over responsibility for courthouses in 2002, the judicial branch construction program has completed 39 new courthouse projects and another 14 projects are underway and in various stages. Learn more about the state’s courthouse construction projects